COVID- 19: Susan Okpe was tested positive by NCDC – Abounu

By Jimin Geoffrey

Deputy Governor of Benue State, Engr. Benson Abounu has reiterated that one Susan Okpe, the index case of Coronavirus in the State was tested and confirmed positive by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC.

Engr. Abounu, who is Chairman of the State Action Committee on COVID – 19 told journalists today during a briefing that the agitation by the patient who had been in an isolation and treatment centre in the state was due to her health condition and is understandable by any rational mind.

The Deputy Governor who acknowledged the lack of cooperation of the said patient with the Action Committee since she was tested positive for COVID-19, said the decision to make her status public was in the best interest of her relations and the state, stressing that it was the committee’s decision but only communicated by Governor Ortom.

The Action Committee Chairman disclosed the deployment of Professor Stephen Abah from NCDC headquarters to the state to lead the medical team in the management of any confirmed case as well as preventive measures.

Answering questions from journalists, Engr. Abounu stated that the surveillance team of the committee had got the list of those who held a meeting with the index case on her arrival to the State and such persons were being prevailed upon to isolate themselves and come out for testing where necessary.

He also stated that all staff of Grace Cottage Hospital where the index case was first admitted before she was later confirmed positive by NCDC were advised to leave their homes and be isolated for 14 days and necessary action taken in case of any suspected case.

The Deputy Governor noted that the committee and state in general would not be intimidated by anyone, saying they had been following established protocols in carrying out the assignment.

Professor Abah in a remark, confirmed that there is an index case of COVID-19 in Benue, stressing that the NCDC was so keen in the case and was working in accordance with international best practices and protocol to manage the situation.

He stated that the disease was a national and international pandemic and that he was in the state to help ensure that the index case was well managed and the spread of the virus curtailed.